Retirement Saving: How to Financially Prepare To Be A Millionaire

After years of hard work,
many Americans just want to kick back, relax and enjoy their golden
years. In theory, this may seem simple, but in reality, they may not be
financially ready.

Those who have done the math
estimate that they will need about $1 million for retirement. But workers near
the retirement age only have $163,000 on average saved, according to a study
conducted by the Economic Policy Institute. The same study found the average
savings of the top 1% of Americans was $1,080,000.

However, bridging the gap
may not be as hard as it seems, according to financial expert Chris Hogan, who
says increasing your knowledge is the first step to growing your retirement
savings.

“Getting started is your
first obstacle,” Hogan said on FOX Business’ “Mornings with Maria.” “Money will
grow, we just have to give it an opportunity.”

There are several options
for you to save for retirement, but the easiest way to see it grow is by taking
advantage of 401(k) or 403(b) plans offered by employers.

“Set it up to where it’s
happening automatically – there’s nothing you really need to think about,”
Hogan said. “Just don’t touch it, leave it alone and watch what happens and
you’ll look up in 10, 12, 15 years and you’ll see it growing exponentially.”

Hogan said people also need
to understand what they are investing in and the anticipated return.

“There’s a lot of money
sitting on the sidelines right now – sitting in a savings account or a money
market account,” he said. “People need to understand that money is simply not
going to grow.”